BVU to Host Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting

STORM LAKE, IA (04/04/2018) (readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) is set to host the 130th Iowa Academy of Science (IAS) Annual Meeting and the 86th Iowa Junior Academy of Science (IJAS) Science Symposium on April 20-21.

To date, more than 100 poster and oral presentations by undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers from across the state of Iowa will be presented at the conference.

"The IAS conference allows participants from a variety of backgrounds and academic levels to present research to a broad audience of research scientists," said Dr. Melinda Coogan, professor of biology at BVU.

The event kicks off on the morning of Friday, April 20, when approximately 80 middle and high school students present science research from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the Estelle Siebens Science Center on the BVU campus. An awards luncheon will follow for all IJAS participants.

Later that afternoon, IAS general sessions and symposiums will begin, followed by undergraduate and graduate-level poster presentations and the President's Banquet at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, April 21 at 8 a.m., oral presentations commence, followed by a third and final general session featuring Dr. Robert Brodman, associate professor of biology at BVU. Brodman's presentation will discuss his involvement in research on the federally threatened Lake Erie Watersnake that eventually led to the recovery of the population.

Approximately 20 BVU science and psychology majors are scheduled to present at the annual conference. To qualify, students were required to submit 200-word research abstracts within specific science disciplines. The abstracts were then carefully reviewed by IAS section chairs and accepted for presentation.

"The experience is a great way for our students to network with researchers and other professionals from across the state who come from esteemed graduate research programs," added Coogan, who is finishing out a three-year term as IAS president. "Participation also builds students' confidence in public speaking and in learning how to share scientific findings with people from multiple science disciplines."

To register or to view a full schedule of events, visit www.scienceiniowa.org or contact Coogan at 712.749.2293 or Coogan@bvu.edu. With the exception of general session attendance, conference registration is required, either on-site in the Estelle Siebens Science Center of the BVU campus on April 20 or online prior to the conference. Individuals interested in supporting science in Iowa as a non-professional IAS member can sign up for a reduced General Membership rate. General Members receive IAS publications, mailings, emails, and more. Advance online registration ends Monday, April 9.

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.